MILLVILLE — The Cumberland County Improvement Authority (CCIA) recently approved a resolution to go ahead with the next phase of development to merge the Cumberland County Library with the Bridgeton Public Library.

Though nothing is set in stone, the current design plan is a three-story 30,000-square-foot facility located somewhere on Pearl Street in Bridgeton's downtown central business district. The first two floors of the building are expected to be designated library space. The third floor will house county administrative offices.

However, after the county finalized the deal to purchase the North Delsea Drive building, county Freeholder Director Joe Derella gave his word that Bridgeton would not be forgotten and that the county would still invest in a development project in Bridgeton’s downtown area.

The resolution at Wednesday’s CCIA meeting authorized an environmental study of land the CCIA is considering for the new building. Cost of the project is not known, but the CCIA would be the primary supplier of funds.

Jerry Valazquez, CCIA executive director, said he believes the new library will increase the synergy of the area.

"The new library is expected to have various programs and activities all day and evening, which will cause people to come to downtown and stay longer in the area," Valazquez said.

Kelly said though he is disappointed the Board of Social Services office ended up staying in Vineland, he is still hopeful about the library merger.

"I am happy we are moving along," Kelly said. "I look forward to continuing to meet with the county to go over the design and make sure that it meets not only the Bridgeton residents' needs, but the county residents as well."

Kelly initially wanted the first floor of the building to have retail stores. Though it's not in the current plans, he said he is still working on making that happen in order to bring in a ratable base for the city.

In terms of how a library merger will benefit Bridgeton's economy, Kelly said he hopes it will greatly increase the foot traffic in the downtown area.

"That is one of the things I am discussing with the freeholders as well," he said. "But our belief is that it will create synergy downtown and become a magnet, drawing people from many different areas. Activity draws activity."

But will the project end up happening? Right now nothing is set in stone — with only the word of Freeholder Director Joe Derella that Bridgeton will not be forgotten.

"The devil is in the details, so I am taking the word of the freeholder board and remaining positive," Kelly said.